Electrolytic cell.



. PATENTED MAY 29, 1906. G. A. GABRIEL. ELECTROLYTIC CELL. APPLICATION-FILED Emma, 1906.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1..

PATENTED MAY 29, 1906.

G. A. GABRIEL. ELECTROLYTIC CELL.

APPLIGATION FILED FEB. 26. 1906.

2 SHEETS-SHBET 2.

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UNITED PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE A. GABRIEL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR 'lO BLEACH 8a CAUSTIC PROCESS COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

ELECTROLYTEC CELL.

, Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed February 26, 1906. Serial No. 302,854.

Patented May 29, 1906.

2!) all whmn it may concern;

I the cell, preferably made in the form of me- Be it known that I, GEORGE A. GABRIEL, a l tallic plates, which are preferably of iron. or

citizen of the United States, and a resident of the city of New York, borough of Brooklyn, county of Kings, State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrolytic Cells, of which the following is a full, clear, and complete disclosure;

My invention particularly relates to electrolytic cells for the electric separation and production of certain elements or constituents of liquids contained in an electrolyte on a commercial scale.

The object of my invention is to improve the general construction and arrangement of such electrolytic cells, thereby increasing the convenience, economy, and efficiency of such cells.

My improvements are shown in connection with an electrolytic cell known as the Hargrcave or vertical type, and partlcularly re late to means for leading the liquid which pcrcolates through the porous diaphragm thereof away from such (.liaphragm, thus obviating the danger of back percolation, which injures the electrolytic solution from which the products are to be separated.

My improvements also comprise other features of construction and arrangement hereinafter to be more completely described, and claimed in the accompanying claims.

For a full, clear, and exact description of one form of my invention reference may be had to the following specification and to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, in which- T Figure 1 is a perspective view of my im proved electrolytic cell complete. Fig. 2 is a horizontal transverse sectional view thereof; Fig. 3, a central vertical sectional view thereof Fig. 4, a detailed sectional view showing the arrangement and construction of one form of cathode, and Figs. 5, 6, and 7 are sectional detailed views of other modifications of the cathode. Fig. '8 is an elevation of the apparatus used in forming the porous diaphragm.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 1 indicates a U-shaped frame, preferably made ofconcrete or othercementitious material, which is" made in a width substantially equal to that of the completed cell. g

. The numeral 2 represents the two sides of 2 and the frame 1,.

steel. The plates 2 are attached to the U- shaped frame 1 by means of transverse bolts 3, which pass through suitable holes in said frame and through the ends and bottoms of the plates 2.

The anode consists of one or more blocks or prisms 4 of suitable material, such as carbon in the form shown. These I preferably make out of so-called Acheson graphite and are provided with vertical and horizontal passages 5, 6, and 7 to allow of a thorough circulation of the electrolyte through the anode and within the cell. T he anode 4 also has suitable conductors 8 embedded therein, which form one of the terminals to be connected to a suitable source of electric current or to another call, if more than one cell are to be used in series. The anode 4 rests uponthe bottom of the frame 1 and extends through an opening in a suitable cover 9, which is placed upon the top of the cell and made gas or air tight by suitable packing, such as cement. The cover 9 is also provided with a conduit 1.0, through which the electrolyte maybe contiililuously introduced to the interior of the ce The cathode of my improved cell may be made as follows: The numeral 11 indicates a foraininous screen which is bent to the shape indicated, so that its marginal edges 12 may be retained between the margins of the plate 2 and the U-shaped frame 1. Upon one side of the screen 11 is placed a porous diaphragm 13, which conforms to the shape of said screen and which is also retained between the plates The method of making this porous diaphragm will be hereinafter more particularly described. In order to restrict the active surface of theporous diaphragm 13 and of the screen 11, which forms an active portion of the cathode, I use an insulating material, (indicated at14.) This insulating material is made of approximately the same shape as the screen 11 and the diaphragm 13, but has an opening throughout its central portion which is slightly smaller than the central plane portion of said diaphragm and screen. This insulating material may consist of such substances as heavy oiled silk, mica,'oile-;l paper, or hard vulcanized rubber, any of which substances will 1 is preferably. of the same'material as the withstand, the high temperature of the ano lyte. This insulatingis preferably first attached to the diaphragm 13 when the. cell is phragm. 'VVhen these parts, including the ably of spring metal,

sure may be brought to bear upon the drainplate .16, so that its entire inner surfaceis in v which percolates This means may screen, diaphragm, and insulation, are assembled by being superposed upon each other in the order named, their edges are clamped between the side walls or plates 2 and the U- shaped frame 1 by means of transverse bolts This construction limits the exposed area of the diaphragm that is in contact with the main body of the electrolyte to substantially that of the adjacent surface of the anode, but

at the same time allows the active surface of the cathode to-be of considerably greater area than the adjacent active surface of the anode. This is due to the fact that the electrolyte in passing through the diaphragm by osmotic action may spread out on the outer face of the diaphragm, and therefore reach a greater area of the cathode. This provides adequate cathode-surface to treat all ofthe electrolyte that pass through diaphr'agm.- 5 One important feature of my invention resides in the means for leading away from the outer side of the screen or anode 11 the liquid through the diaphragm 13. be'formed in several different ways, examples of which areillustrated in detail in Figs. ings. One modification of these draining means, which is shown in Fig. 4, comprises a series of downwardly-inclined wires 15, the upper ends of which are twisted around or otherwise attachedto the strands or wires forming the screen 11. The wires 15 are all substantially the same/length and are preferable resiliency. duits,'whichowing to the adhesion of the liquid which percolates through the diaphragm leads or conduces such liquid away from the diaphragm and the screen itself, so that the said liquiddrops from the ends ofthe wires or is conducted to a plate 16, which I preferably term a drain-plate This drain-plate anode and conduits 15 and is forced into contact with the ends of said wires by means of screws 17, the outer ends of which are pro: vided with thumb-heads bearing against the side wall or plate 2 of the cell. The inner screw-threaded ends or screws 17 pass through set-nuts 19 and into screw-threaded bosses 20, which rest upon or. v

are attached to the draimplate. 1,6. It will be seen that bymeans of these screws 17 prescontact with the ends of the conduits or projections. 15. This. construction not. only 4 to 7, inclusive, of the draw r duits or pro ections 25 so as to have a consider- These wires 15 form con .manner similar to the diaphragm 13,

18, said ends also.

branch 34 entering the cell near the saaioe serves to produce. themephanical results just I mentioned, but also serves to make a com- .plete and freeeleetrical'connection between.

the side walls 2 and the cathode, so that the electric current is evenly distributed over the whole surface of the cathode. It will now be seen that the liquid which is conducted from the screen or cathode proper, 11, by the conduits 15 flows upon the drainplate 16 and thence to thebottorn of the cathode-chamber,

from which the liquid is carried away by any convenient means, such as a pipe or tube 21.

It will be noticed that in Fig. 4 the drainplate 16 is provided with a series of transverse holes 22, which correspond in location with the ends of the conduits or projections These holes 22 allow the liquid to flow over both sides of the plate, and therefore in creases its draining capacity.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a construction in which the cathode-screenjis formed of a Inctallic plate 23, out of which the conduits'or projections 24 are punched by suitable dies.

The removal. of the portions 2 ifrom the main body of the plate forms openings through which the liquid from the diaphragm may ass.

In Fig. 6 I have shown a modification in' which the conduits 25 are attached to the drain-plate 26 instead of to theend of the screen. In this case the projections may be attached in any suitable way, such as by use of rivets 27, instance that the screws 17 will force the con against the cathodescreen 11 and thereby form a goodelectrical connection in a manner similar to that-above described in connection with Fig. 4.

In Fig. 7. I have shown a modification of the manner of arranging the diaphragm. In

described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2; but in addition to these parts other diaphragm 28, which is formed 11}; a

ut upon a base or ground made of wire-gauze instead of fibrous material, asbefore scribed. This construction gives an additional strength .to the cell and also provides It will. be obvious in this,

I provide anthis form of the invention the cathode or screen 11, and diaphragm 13 are arranged as.

an additional thickness to the diaphragm where the percolation of the anolyte is made less or Where the hydrostatic pressure of the anolyte is made greater. 4

On the exterior of the cell I provldea vertical tube orpipe 33, which has, preferably, threebranches 34,35, and 36, the principal the cell above the normal level of the electrolyte, the branch 35 .ntering the cell slightly below the normal level of the electrolyte, and the branch 36 entering bottom of tube 37-, which passes through stopper or packing38 at the lower end of the the anode cham 'ber. 'Within the tube 33 I place a smaller a suitable electrolyte in the anode-chamber.

tube 33 and upwardly Within said tube 33 to a point which determines the level of the I It will thus be seen that if the electrolyte flows into the cell continuously a certain amount of the fluid will overflow through tube 37 and be conducted away. This liquid which is carried away will be weaker, owing to the fact that it is taken in through the branch near the level or surface of the electrolyte within the cell. At the upper end of the tube 33 I attach 'a pipe or conduit 39, through which the gas generated in the anode-chamber may pass and be conducted to a suitable gasometer or to a collecting apparatus.

The outer tube 33 is preferably made wholly or. in part of t; ansparent material, so that not only may the level of the liquid within the cell be inspected, but also the circulation of the anolyte through the branches 35 and 36 may be seen. The fact that this circulation of the anolyte may be seen allows a close watch to be kept upon the condition of the anolyte and the action of the cell itself. As a connection for conveying the current away from the cathode of my improved cell I may bolt a metallic strip 29 to one or more transverse bolts 3 of the cell. This connector 29 may ofcourse extend to the next cell in the series orto one pole of'a generator for supplying the necessary electric current.

Referring now to the means for forming the diaphragm 13, Fig. 8 shows the apparatus used therefor. The member 30 is a rectangular frame, made of suitable material, which has attached thereto upon its four sides a series of coiled springs 31, the inner ends of which are provided with hooks 32, adapted to pass through and engage the diaphragm 1.3 which is being treated. The diaphragm is first placed in a frame, as indicated, so that all the hooks engage themargin thereof successivel y. The fabric is then moistened and allowed to dry under the tension of the springs 31. When once dried, the fabric is again/dampened and isthen covered by the coating of cement and water or clay and silicate of soda or other suitable cementitious mixture or composition in a plastic state. This mixture is rubbed thoroughly into the interstices of the fabric and the surfaces made smooth and even on both sides. The fabric and cementitious material is then allowed to set and harden to the consistency in which it is to be used, after which the screen is removed from the frame and laced in a suitable mold or between suita le dies to give the same the requisite shape to correspend to the shape of the anode 11. If preferable, it is obvious that the diaphragm may be molded or shaped before the cementitious material has become set or hardened. When firmly stretched and drawn intoposition by means of the bolts 3 and the sidewalls or plates of the cell 2.

It will be seen that the cell formed as above described has many advantages in operation and many points of eiliciency not heretofore attained in electrolytic cells. The form of the anode shown not only allows a free circulation of the anoly te within the cell, but also forms an adjustable member, so that the anode may be moved nearer to or fartheraway from either of the cathodes. Itis obvious that the anode may be made in two separate parts instead of ,one single part, each of which parts may be adjusted to and from its respective cathode.

I wish it to be understood that I do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described, for obvious modification will occur topersons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

1. In combination with an electrode, one face only of which is in contact with the active electrolyte, of liquid-conduits extending from the opposite face thereof for conveying liquid away from said face.

2. In combination with a permeable electrode, one face only of which in contact with the active electrolyte, of projections extending from the opposite face thereof for conveying liquid away from said face.

3. In combination with an electrode, of downwardly-inclined liq uid-cond ui ts extending from a plurality of points on the face thereof, for drainingliquids from substantially the entire facethereofby gravity.

4. In combination with a substantially upright electrode, of downwardly-inclined projections extending from'the face thereof for conveying liquid away from said face by gravity.

5. In. combination with an electrode, mechanical means coacting with the face thereof for removing and maintaining liquid out of contact with said face.

6. In an electrolytic cell, a porous diaphragm, a cathode located exteriorly of said diaphragm and in contact therewith, and mechanical means coacting with the face of the cathode for conveying liquid which percolatcs through said diaphragm away from the face of said cathode at a plurality of points.

7. In an electrolytic .cell, a porous diaphragm, a cathode located exteriorlv of said diaphragm and in contact therewith, and conduits for conveying liquid which percolates through said diaphragm away from the face of said cathode at a plurality of points.

8. In an electrolytic cell, a porous diaphragm, a cathode contacting exteriorly therewith, and downwardly-extending pro- IIO jections for conveying the liquid which percolates through said diaphragm away from said cathode.

,9. In an electrolytic cell, a porous-dim phragm, a foraminous cathode contacting therewith on one side, and projections extending from the opposite side of said cathode for draining the same.

10. In an electrolytic cell, a porous diaphragm, a foraminous cathode contacting therewith on one side, liquid-conduits on the opposite side of said cathode and a plate en' gaging said conduits.

11. In an electrolytic cell, a porous diaphragm, a foraminous cathode contacting with one cell thereof, liquid-conduits on the opposite side of said cathode, a plate engag ing said conduits and means for forcing said platetoward said cathode and diaphragm.

12. The combination with a vertical cathode, of conduits extending downwardly from a plurality ofpoints in the face thereof for draining the same.

13. The combination with a vertical cathode, of conduits extending downwardly from a pluralityof points in the face thereof and means formin connections between said conduits at their lower ends. v

14. The combination with a vertical cath ogle of coiiduits extending downwardly from, a plurality of points in the face thereof and a foraminous drain-plate forming connections between said conduits at their lower ends.

15. In" combination with an electrolytic cell, an exterior vertical conduit communi- ---cating directly with the interior of the anodechamber at points removed from the top and adjacent the bottom respectively to allow of circulation of the electrolyte.

16. In combination with an electrolytic cell, an exterior circulating-conduit and an adjustable overflow-pipe connecting with said conduit.

17. In combination with an electrolytic cell, an exterior vertical transparent conduit communicating with theinterior thereof,,and

an adjustable overflow-tube located within said conduit.

18. In combinatlon with an electrolytic cell, of a circulating means comprising an ex- 'terior vertical transparent conduit having cells having horizontal and vertical passages therein for the circulation of the electrolyte and cathodes of substantially similar outline located adjacent the opposite active faces of said anode 21. In an electrolytic cell, the combination with a porous diaphragm, of a foraminous cathode in contact with one side thereof, an-

anode having an active face adjacent the opposite side of said diaphragm and insulating material on the inner side of said diaphragm for limiting the exposed face thereof to an area smaller than that of the cathode.

22. In an'electrolytic cell, the combination with a porous diaphragm, of a foraminous cathode in contact with one side thereof, an anode having an active face a jacent the op posite side of said diaphragm and insulating material on the inner side of said diaphragm for limiting the exposed surface thereof to approximately the size of said active face,.the active area of said cathode being greater than inner exposed surface of said diaphragm.

23.' In an electrolytic cell, the-combination with a porous diaphragm of a foraminous cathode in contact with one side thereof, a

second diaphragm on the opposite side thereof having gauze embedded therein, insulating material for limiting the active surface of the first porous diaphragm, and means for draining said cathode and acting upon'substantially the entire surface thereof. 4

GEO. A. GABRIEL. Witnesses:

Enw. W. VAILL, Jr., WALTER S. JoNEs. 

